Nothing beats that comforting, melty goodness of a great potato dish. This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring cheesy, creamy layers of potatoes to the table, making any dinner feel extra special without fuss. You’re going to love how simple it is to pull together, yet so impressive to serve.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with multiple thin, round slices of golden-yellow potatoes arranged in overlapping layers. The top layer has a light golden brown crust with bubbly melted cheese and creamy sauce covering the potatoes. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the top for garnish. The edges of the dish show browned, slightly crispy spots. The dish is set on a folded gray cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white plate with fresh green herb sprigs is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always drawn to recipes that look like they need a lot of work but are actually easy and forgiving — that’s exactly what this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe offers. Creamy, cheesy, with a golden crust, it’s pure comfort food that practically makes itself.

Simple Prep: Slicing thin and layering is straightforward, especially if you have a mandolin to speed things up.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The blend of Gruyère and cheddar cheeses makes every bite buttery and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses, add spices, or throw in your favorite herbs to suit your tastes.
Perfect for Any Meal: This dish shines as a side for weeknight dinners or as a star at holiday spreads.

This close-up image shows a creamy potato dish with one main layer of thin, round potato slices, each cooked to a golden brown with slightly crispy edges and browned spots on top. The potato slices lay mostly flat and overlap slightly, sitting in a thick, smooth, pale yellow sauce with a creamy texture. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding a bit of fresh color that contrasts with the warm tones of the potatoes and sauce. The overall look is rich and hearty, with the sauce filling the spaces between the potatoes, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special part. From the buttery sauce that clings to each potato slice to the cheese that melts into creamy bliss, this combination just can’t be beat. Here’s why I chose each one and some tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with golden skins, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of shredded gruyere cheese, a small white bowl of shredded white cheddar cheese, a few pats of fresh butter, a small white bowl of flour, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper arranged separately, and a small sprig of fresh thyme placed delicately, all arranged with perfect symmetry in natural light, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Yukon Gold potatoes: They slice thin and hold their shape well while baking, plus their buttery flavor complements the cheese.
Whole milk: Creamy enough to create a smooth sauce without being too heavy or rich like cream.
Gruyère cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty, slightly sweet taste that melts perfectly.
White cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth, balancing the Gruyère’s mellow notes.
Butter: Essential for that silky roux and rich flavor.
Flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to all those potato slices.
Garlic powder: Gives savory depth without overpowering.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Paprika: Just a hint for warmth and color on the top.
Freshly cracked black pepper: For a gentle spicy kick.
Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
Fresh thyme (optional): I love this fresh herbal garnish for a pop of color and subtle earthiness at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is how easily it adapts. Over the years, I’ve played with different cheeses and herbs — it’s all about what you love and what you have on hand.

Variation: I’ve swapped Gruyère for smoked mozzarella once and it added a fantastic smoky twist that my family adored.
Dietary: For a lighter version, you can use 2% milk and reduce the cheese slightly, but don’t skimp on the seasoning.
Seasonal: Try stirring in chopped roasted garlic or fresh sage during the sauce step for seasonal flair in fall or winter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, grease a 9x13 baking dish well with nonstick spray to keep everything from sticking. Then, slice your Yukon Gold potatoes super thin — about ⅛th of an inch. I swear by my mandolin for evenly thin slices. No need to peel! The skins add texture and nutrients. Lay the slices in your dish either vertically or horizontally in neat layers. It looks beautiful either way.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep whisking for about 1 minute until the mixture is lump-free and bubbly — this is your roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to ensure the sauce stays smooth. Gradually add the shredded Gruyère and white cheddar, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition melts completely before adding the next. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to round out the flavors.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over your layered potatoes, taking care to get some of the sauce around the sides for full coverage. Then cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 30 minutes — this helps the potatoes steam and cook through. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want an extra golden crust, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before uncovering. Let it rest for a few minutes once out of the oven to set up before serving.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe many times, a few tricks really make a difference between okay and outstanding scalloped potatoes. These tips will help you achieve that perfectly creamy texture and beautifully browned top every time.

The Mandolin Advantage: Thin, uniform slices cook evenly, preventing mushy or crunchy bites. Invest in a mandolin or take your time slicing with a sharp knife.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that affects melting; shredding from a block gives the smoothest sauce.
Don’t Skip the Roux Step: Cooking the flour in butter first helps avoid a grainy sauce and ensures thick, creamy deliciousness.
Cover and Uncover Baking: Start covered to steam potatoes and uncover later for that gorgeous bubbly golden finish.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

cheesy scalloped potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving. It adds a fresh, mildly herbal note and a nice pop of green that makes the dish look even more appetizing. Sometimes I add a pinch of extra shredded cheese right at the end to keep things extra melty and attractive.

Side Dishes

This goes wonderfully alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. I often serve it with steamed green beans or sautéed garlic spinach to add a fresh vegetable contrast to the cheesy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals, I’ve served this recipe in individual ramekins for a personal touch, sprinkled with crispy fried shallots on top. It makes it feel fancy without extra work and impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, cover your scalloped potatoes tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens overnight and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this dish in portions before baking. Bake from frozen by adding about 15 extra minutes to the covered baking time. The texture holds up well and it’s perfect for planning ahead.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep moisture in, about 20–25 minutes. If you want to crisp up the top again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make it watery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery texture and thin slicing ability, you can also use Russets. Just keep in mind Russets might be a bit fluffier, which changes the texture slightly.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

No problem! You can substitute Gruyère with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or another mild melting cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make this dish vegan or dairy-free, use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cheese alternatives. The texture might differ, so experiment with brands for best melting results.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for about ⅛th inch thick slices. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and the layers bind well with the cheese sauce. A mandolin slicer makes this quick and uniform.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and heartwarming. It’s an effortless way to add a little elegant comfort to your meal, and you really can’t go wrong with that cheesy, creamy goodness. I hope when you make it, it becomes a favorite go-to for your family as it is for mine.